According to recent reporting, a new concept specializing in focaccia sandwiches and gelato is on its way to Short North, with Piazza Pelino slated to open at 772 N High St. The establishment will be owned by the husband and wife duo Vinny and Christina Pelino, who operate Pelino’s Pasta, located at 245 King Ave.
While Pelino’s Pasta focuses on a prix fixe handmade pasta dining experience, the couple’s latest venture will offer house-made focaccia sandwiches, gelato and imported Italian goods. What Now Columbus spoke to Vinny and Christina Pelino who said the vision behind Piazza Pelino comes from their shared love of Italian food and culture.
“Something we love about Italian culture, is the abundance of piazzas in Italy,” said Vinny.
Their many trips to Italy have shaped their businesses, and lives, particularly the way piazzas are gathering spaces for people, and the Pelinos hope to bring that to Columbus. One of their goals is revisioning the Short North area as a place to gather and enjoy sandwiches and gelato, as well as pick up authentic Italian goods such as imported wines, meats, cheeses and olive oil.
Sandwiches will be on the menu, made using Vinny’s great-grandmother’s focaccia recipe. Offerings and toppings will vary depending on the season, but guests can expect to find classic Italian meats such as prosciutto and mortadella, with some interesting textures added to the sandwiches with the help of items like pistachio and hazelnuts.
Perhaps nothing says Italy quite like gelato and the eatery will offer a selection that is made using clean ingredients, without added dyes. The flavors will rotate, but guests can expect to find pistachio, a hazelnut and chocolate flavor as well as amarena cherry, to name a few.
The interior of the 2,500 square foot space will have an overall Mediterranean aesthetic, through the use of blue and white, along with softer tones blended throughout. But the decor, along with the food, all serves the same goal, which is to give people a sampling of the flavor and Italian lifestyle without leaving Columbus.
“We want to make it similar to our other location, where we take our guests on a journey to Italy,” Christina said.
The current timeline for opening Piazza Pelino is mid-November.
